Barbara Ann (Griffeth) Whewell 63, of South Jacksonville, IL passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Barb was born June 21, 1960, in Pittsfield, the daughter of Stuart Bud and Yvonne (Claus) Griffeth. Barb married Larry Whewell, the love of her life on September 16, 1978, at the Church of Our Savior and he survives.

Barb is also survived by one sister and two brothers, Sandra (Terry) Reel of rural Pittsfield, Chet (Tami) Griffeth of Ozark, MO, and Phil Griffeth of Alsey; a sister-in-law, Marge Griffeth of rural Murrayville; a special loving niece, Cheri Reardon of South Jacksonville, and several other nieces, nephews and numerous cousins; her little sister for 35 years who Barb and Larry helped raise (Big Brothers Big Sisters), Megan Bergschneider Fellows of Taylorville. She was preceded in death by her father, Bud; her mother and stepfather, Yvonne and Don Ballard; and two brothers, Michael Griffeth and Gale Griffeth.

She loved and enjoyed all animals but especially her pet terrier, Zoe.

Barb co-owned and operated Barb's Furniture and Consignment for many years and later worked for MacMurray College in the Book Store and Mail Room. She then worked for several years at the Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living JACIL). She was a member of Church of Our Saviour, Ladies of the Moose, and Jacksonville Lions Club.

She enjoyed her flowers, working in the yard, shopping for bargains, and attending garage sales. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her husband and going on numerous vacations to Las Vegas. Barb's life passion was volunteering and helping people in need. She never turned down anyone who was struggling. Last Monday she saw a small lady from a nursing home who was freezing so she gave the lady her hoodie and told her to keep it. She enjoyed talking to her sister every day in person or on the phone. Barb's large heart was made of gold. A big thanks to her caregivers, Lesa Martin and Victoria Morris.

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Calvary Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral Home. A prayer service will be held 3:30 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to Jacksonville Lions Club, JACIL, or West Central Mass Transit District. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.